Method for assembling an elastomer seal spring in a connector assembly

ABSTRACT

The seal spring of the present invention has a dual functionality. The seal spring provides both a sealing property and spring function in use within an electrical connector system, which is accomplished by its elastomeric qualities. The seal spring is preferably comprised of Silicone, EPDM rubber or materials and compositions that provide similar performance during use, or the like. The seal spring of the present invention is not limited or defined into a spring section or a seal section by its geometry. Shown is an implementation of the seal spring within an outer housing and connector assembly. The seal spring compresses and provides adequate spring force against a tab or tabs within the outer housing. The seal spring also functions as an interface seal and an environmental seal during use. The seal spring is, substantially, in its entirety, of a contiguous and continuous single construction. No part or section of the seal spring is made up of welded, soldered, or brazen part or section.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION

This is a Divisional Application of U.S. patent application Ser. No.17/703,764 filed on Mar. 24, 2022, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/169,511 filed on Apr. 1,2021, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

Silicone or any elastomer material (material that is rubber like innature) is often used in applications, specifically in electricalconnector systems, as a material which will form a seal for the purposeof preventing outside elements, such as but not limited to, water, air(any gaseous element or molecule), or any debris defined as any foreignmaterial not present when the connector system is assembled, fromentering into the connector system. These seals are classified asenvironmental seals. The sealing property of a specific environmentalseal is accomplished by the elastomeric property of the material and theproper geometric shape or shapes for operating within its location inthe connector system. These environmental seals are also often namedbased on their intended location of use, with terms such as face seal,interface seal, ring seal, cable seal, mat (or matte) seal, and wireseal.

With dual functionality environmental seals, the seal can provide both asealing property and spring function within an electrical connectorassembly. The seal has a spring function which is accomplished by itselastomeric qualities yet can still operate as an environmental seal inuse. The seal is comprised of Silicone, EPDM rubber, materials andcompositions which provide similar performance during use, or the like.Additionally, the seal is not limited or defined into a spring sectionor a seal section by its geometry. Thus, the seal spring is not geometrybased and it may function anywhere the dual functionality of a sealfunction and spring function is required. One such implementation iswithin an inner cavity of a housing of a connector assembly as aninterface seal, which is described in detail in the present application.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The seal spring of the present invention has a dual functionality. Inuse, the seal spring provides both a sealing property and springfunction within an electrical connector assembly. The sealing propertyof the seal spring can also provide an environmental seal when locatedwithin a connector assembly, housing, or other similar use within aconnector system. This dual functionality in use, when the seal springsimultaneously acts as both a seal and a spring, is accomplished by itselastomeric qualities. The seal spring is comprised of Silicone, EPDMrubber, materials and compositions which provide similar performanceduring use, or the like. Additionally, the seal spring of the presentinvention is also not limited or defined into a spring section or a sealsection by its geometry. Thus, the seal spring is not geometry based andit may function anywhere the dual functionality of a seal function andspring function is required. One such implementation is within an innercavity of a housing of a connector assembly, which is described indetail in the present application.

The seal spring of the present invention, will interact with an outerhousing and connector system but is not limited thereto. The seal springwill be compressed and deformed, pressing against a tab or tabs of anouter housing of the connector assembly and acting as a spring againstthe tab or tabs. The seal spring therefore provide a spring function inuse. The seal spring is compressed and deformed into an inner cavity ofthe outer housing when a third outer housing presses the seal fully intothe outer housing and the tab or tabs compresses and deforms an innersurface of the seal spring, and another third outer housing is insertedinto the inner aperture of the seal spring The elastomeric propertiesand durometer specification of the seal spring allows the compressedstate of the seat spring to exert a spring force against the tab or tabsof the outer housing. The seal spring thus generates and exerts anoutward spring force, which in use, acts to push the seal spring againstthe tab or tabs which will then press against the third outer housing orsimilar feature within a connector. The seal spring, providingadditional force against the tabs, providing for higher contact pressureagainst the third outer housing when used within a completed connectorassembly.

Additionally, the sealing properties of the seal spring allow thecompressed seal spring to also provide a sealing function. The sealspring has two seal portions, one on its side and one on its inner sidewall. The seal spring provides an outer sealing function against theouter housing and an inner sealing function against an inner housing.The seal spring will thus act as an interface seal, pressing against asurface of the cavity of the outer housing and against a surface of theinner housing of the connector system, also providing an environmentalseal when used in this manner. Thus, the seal spring will have a dualpurpose, simultaneously acting as both an environmental seal and aspring when in use within the connector assembly.

Moreover, the seal spring of the present invention is, substantially, inits entirety, of a contiguous and continuous single construction. Nopart or section of the seal spring of the present invention is made upof welded, soldered, or brazen part or section.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the seal spring of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the seal spring of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 is an end perspective view of the outer housing of the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 is a cross section view of the outer housing and the seal spring,the seal spring residing in the outer housing.

FIG. 5 is a cross section view of the outer housing, the outer housinghaving the seal spring inserted and residing in the cavity of the outerhousing, the second outer housing installed.

FIG. 6 is a cross section view of the a connector assembly having theouter housing, the outer housing having the seal spring inserted andresiding in the cavity of the outer housing, the second outer housinginstalled, the third outer housing installed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As seen in FIG. 1 is the preferred embodiment of the seal spring 100 ofthe present invention. The seal spring 100 is preferably comprised ofsilicone, EPDM rubber or materials and compositions that provide similarperformance during use, or the like. The seal spring 100 has a firstface 102, a first face surface 112, a second face 104, a second facesurface 114 and a side 106. The second face 104 and the second facesurface 114, extending substantially perpendicular to the side 106. Theside 106 having a surface 116 and the side 106 being between the firstface 102 and second face 104. The seal spring 100 also has an outersealing portion 120 which is on a portion of the side 106, extendingoutward from the side 106, and is formed by a portion of the sidesurface 116. Here, the outer sealing portion 120 is preferablysubstantially located toward the second face 104, and isdisproportionately located on the seal spring 100, and disproportionateon the side 106 thereof, wherein it is not centrally located norequidistant with respect to the distance between the first face 102 andthe second face 104, respectively. Further, the seal spring 100 has aninner aperture 108, having an inner side wall 109. The inner side wall109 having a surface 110. Additionally, the seal spring 100 has an innersealing portion 130 located on the inner side wall 109 and extendinginward inside the inner aperture 108 on a portion of respective innerside wall 109, and formed by a portion of the surface 110. Here, theinner sealing portion 130 is preferably substantially located toward thesecond face 104, and is disproportionately located on the seal spring100, and disproportionate on the inner side wall 109 thereof, wherein itis not centrally located nor equidistant with respect to the distancebetween the first face 102 and the second face 104, respectively.

Moreover, the seal spring 100 of the present invention is,substantially, in its entirety, of a contiguous and continuous singleconstruction. No part or section of the seal spring 100 of the presentinvention is made up of welded, soldered, or brazen part or section. Theseal spring 100 composition is homogeneous, or bi-material (co-molded),having properties of an elastomer, or rubber.

FIG. 2 illustrates the second face 104 and second face surface 114 ofseal spring 100. The side 106 having a side surface 116 is alsoillustrated. As previously mentioned, the seal spring 100 has an outersealing portion 120 and an inner sealing portion 130, The outer sealingportion 120 interacts and seals with an outer housing 200 of a connectorassembly (see, FIG. 6 ). The inner sealing portion 130 interacts andseals with a third outer housing 400 as will be discussed in more detaillater (see, FIG. 6 ).

Also shown in FIG. 1 , the seal spring 100 has a flared, or angledportion of the inner side wall 109. This flared, or angled portion ofthe inner side wall 109 will act as a spring when the seal spring 100 isin use, as will be discussed later See, FIG. 6 ). The flared, or angledportion of the inner side wall 109 is being flared, or angled, whereinthe portion of the inner side wall 109 is narrowly tapered along itslength with respect to a lengthwise direction (being defined as thedirection from the first face 102 to the second face 104, and viceversa) of the seal spring 100, and narrowly tapering in the directionfrom the inner sealing portion 130 towards the first face 102.Additionally, the flared, or angled portion of the inner side wall 109provides a portion of the surface 110 which is narrowly tapered alongits length with respect to the aforementioned lengthwise direction ofthe seal spring 100, narrowly tapering in the direction from the innersealing portion 130 towards the first face 102. The flared or angledportion of the inner side wall 109 is also thereby respectivelyenlarging the area or size of the inner aperture 108 along the distancefrom the inner sealing portion 130 towards the first face 102; andconversely is restricting the size of the inner aperture 108 along thedistance from the first face 102 towards the inner sealing portion 130in the lengthwise direction (being defined as the direction from thesecond face 104 to the first face 102, and vice versa), As previouslymentioned, the purpose of the flared, or angled portion of the innerside wall 109 of the seal spring 100 will be providing a springfunction, and will be discussed later.

Shown in FIG. 3 is the outer housing 200 of the connector assembly. Theouter housing 200 has a body 206 having an inner cavity 204. The innercavity 204 has a side wall 214. Additionally, the inner cavity 204 ofthe outer housing 200 has an opening 202 within a first end portion 212of the outer housing 200. Further, the outer housing 200 has a secondend portion 222. The inner cavity 204 of the outer housing 200 also hasa seal forward stop 250 having a surface 252. The seal forward stop 250and the surface 252, extend substantially perpendicular along its lengthto the side wall 214 with respect to a lengthwise direction of the outerhousing 200 (being defined as the direction from the first end portion212 to the second end portion 222, and vice versa). The seal forwardstop 250 and its surface 252 are provided to interact with the sealspring 100 when the seal spring 100 is inserted into the inner cavity204 and the seal spring 100 is in use with the outer housing 200.

Also shown in FIG. 3 is the first tab 230 a of the outer housing 200 andthe second tab 230 b of the outer housing 200. The outer housing 200 mayhave a pair of first tabs 230 a, as shown, but the quantity is notlimited thereto. The outer housing 200 may have a pair of second tabs230 b, as shown, but the quantity is not limited thereto. The first tab230 a of the outer housing 200 and the second tab 230 b of the outerhousing 200, extend within the inner cavity 204, extending substantiallyperpendicularly from a rear wall 240 of the outer housing 200. The rearwall 240 is within the inner cavity 204 and extends substantiallyperpendicular along its length from the side wall 214 of the innercavity 204 of the outer housing 200, with respect to a lengthwisedirection of the outer housing 200 (being defined as the direction fromthe first end portion 212 to the second end portion 222, and viceversa). The first tab 230 a and second tab 230 b each have a tip 232 a,232 b, respectively, located at an end of each tab 230 a, 230 b. The tab230 a, 230 b extends within the inner cavity 204 towards the opening202, the direction of which having the tip 232 a, 232 b facingsubstantially towards the opening 202 of the outer housing 200. Theother, opposite end of the tab 230 a, 230 b, is the attached end 239 a,239 b. The attached end 239 a, 239 b which is the portion of the tab 230a, 230 b attached to the rear wall 240 of the outer housing 200. Eachtab 230 a, 230 b having a cantilever beam arm 238 a, 238 b,respectively. The cantilever beam arm 238 a, 238 b, is formed by andalong the length of the tab 230 a, 230 b, more specifically, by theportion of the tab 230 a, 230 b between the attached end 239 a, 239 band the tip 232 a, 232 b.

The first tab 230 a and second tab 230 b each also have an angled leadin 236 a, 236 b, respectively. Each of the angled lead in 236 a, 236 bis angled, or tapered generally along its length towards the tip 232 a,232 b, and tapering in a direction with respect to the lengthwisedirection of the outer housing 200 (being defined as the direction fromthe first end portion 212 to the second end portion 222, and viceversa). Each of the angled lead in 236 a, 236 b substantially faces theside wall 214 of the inner cavity 204 of the outer housing 200. Theangled lead in 236 a, 236 b of each of the first tab 230 a and secondtab 230 b will make contact with the seal spring 100 when in use, and asdiscussed later.

The first tab 230 a and second tab 230 b each also have a first surface234 a, 234 b and a second surface 235 a, 235 b, respectively. Each firstsurface 234 a, 234 b face the inner cavity 204 of the outer housing.Each first surface may face another one of a first surface 234 a, 234 b.As seen in FIG. 1 , along its length, the first surface 234 a of thefirst tab 230 a substantially faces the opposing, opposite, firstsurface 234 b of the second tab 230 b, and vice versa. The secondsurface 235 a, 235 b faces the side wall 214 of the inner cavity 204 ofthe outer housing 200.

Illustrated in FIG. 4 is the outer housing 200 with the seal spring 100inserted. Here the seal spring 100 is inserted into the outer housing200, and the first face 102 is inserted first towards the rear 222 ofthe outer housing 200. The first face 102 and first face surface 112 ofthe seal spring 100 may also abut the forward stop 250 and surface 252thereof. The first tab 230 a and second tab 230 b of the outer housing200 have entered the inner aperture 108 of the seal spring 100, therespective tips 232 a, 232 b have initially entered the inner aperture108 of the seal spring 100 and have made contact with the seal spring100. Further, the angled lead in 236 a, 236 b of each of the respectivetab or tabs 230 a, 230 b will make further contact with the inner sidewall 109 of the seal spring 100 as the seal spring 100 is insertedfurther into the outer housing 200, as shown.

As seen in FIG. 4 , the seal spring 100 may be inserted into the outerhousing 200 and the seal spring 100 will be held in the outer housing200 by a second outer housing 300. The cavity of the outer housing 200,and the aperture 108 of seal spring 100, have a space wherein a thirdouter housing 400 may be inserted and accommodated, as will be seen inFIG. 6 .

As discussed above, the tabs 230 a, 230 b abut and contact against thesurface 110 of the inner side wall 109 of the seal spring 100. Morespecifically, the tabs 230 a, 230 b abut and contact the flared, orangled portion of the inner side wall 109. The flared, or angled portionof the inner side wall 109 of the seal spring 100 compresses as the tab230 a, 230 b enters the inner aperture 108 and contacts the seal spring100, wherein the seal spring 100 asserts a spring-like force against thetab 230 a, 230 b. The tabs 230 a, 230 b, as shown in FIG. 4 , havepressed into, and pushed into, the inner surface 109 of the seal spring100. The seal spring 100 can be further inserted into the outer housing200 and tabs 230 a, 230 b and will further press into, and push into theinner surface 109 of the seal spring 100 when the second outer housing300 is inserted and subsequent third outer housing 400 is then inserted(See, FIG. 5, 6 ). The seal spring 100 will provide and exert anadequate spring force against the tab 230 a, 230 b and apply its springforce, pushing itself in an outward direction towards and against thetip 232 a, 232 b, the angled lead in 236 a, 236 b, and the secondsurface 235 a, 235 b of the tab 230 a, 230 b when in use. Further, theangle or taper of the inner side wall 109 is such that the angled leadin portion 236 a, 236 b of the tab 230 a, 230 b will reside on theflared, or angled portion of the inner side wall 109 when the tab 230 a,230 b makes substantial contact with the surface 110 of the inner sidewall 109 of seal spring 100. The first face 102 of the seal spring 100may not make substantial contact with the tip 232 a, 232 b of each tab230 a, 230 b, as the seal spring 100 is inserted into the outer housing200. Therein, the first face 102 will reside below the tip 232 a, 232 b,angled lead in 236 a, 236 b, and the second surface 235 a, 235 b whenthe seal spring 100 is inserted. Moreover, the angle or taper of theinner side wall 109, is such that the flared, or angled portion of theinner side wall 109 will reside below the angled lead in portion 236 a,236 b of the respective tab 230 a, 230 b. Thus, the spring force of theseal spring 100 is asserted and applied to the tab 230 a, 230 b by theangle or tapered portion of the inner side wall 109. More specifically,the spring force is generally directed toward and against the angledlead in portion 236 a, 236 b of the tab 230 a, 230 b. The tab 230 a, 230b is slightly flexible, and is flexible along its length at thecantilever beam arm 238 a, 238 b portion. The tab 230 a, 230 b will flexwhen the tip 232 a, 232 b, angled lead in 236 a, 236 b, or secondsurface 235 a, 235 b is contacted, as here, by the seal spring (see,FIG. 5, 6 ). The angle or taper of the inner side wall 109 of the seal100 also prevents the seal spring 100 from being marred, warped, ripped,or torn or otherwise destructed in its use, when it comes in contactwith the tab 230 a, 230 b or similar feature of a connector housing,when inserted and in use.

FIG. 5 shows a connector system having the outer housing 200 and asecond outer housing 300, with the seal spring 100 inserted into theouter housing 200. Here, as in FIG. 4 , the seal spring 100 has beeninserted into the 204 inner cavity of the outer housing 200, with thefirst face 102 of the seal spring 100 inserted first into the innercavity 204 and pushed forward towards the rear end 222 of the outerhousing 200. The second face 104 is exposed within the inner cavity 204,facing towards the opening 202 of the outer housing 200. As shown, thesecond outer housing 300 has been inserted through the opening 202 andinto the inner cavity 204 of the outer housing 200. The second outerhousing 300 presses, contacts, and abuts the seal spring 100, makingcontact at the second face 104 and second face surface 114 of the sealspring 100. As previously mentioned, the second face 104 and the secondface surface 114, extend substantially perpendicular to the side 106 ofthe seal spring 100. The second outer housing 300 pushes the seal spring100 further forward into the inner cavity 204, and towards the secondend portion 222 and the tabs 230 a, 230 b. At this point, the first face102 and first face surface 112 of the seal spring 100 will abut theforward stop 250, the forward stop 250 limits the movement of the sealspring 100 further into the inner cavity 204 of the outer housing 200.The seal spring 100 is now in a secured and stationary position withinthe connector system and in the outer housing 200 and inner cavity 204.In this secured, and stationary position within the inner cavity 204, inrespect to the lengthwise direction of the outer housing 200 (beingdefined as the direction from the first end portion 212 to the secondend portion 222, and vice versa), the seal spring 100 resides in theinner cavity 204 between the end of the second outer housing 300 and theforward stop 250 of the outer housing 200. Also, when the seal spring100 is in this secured, stationary position, the seal spring 100 isexerting a greater spring force against the tabs 230 a, 230 b than itsprevious position or positions inside the inner cavity 204 of the outerhousing 200. Concurrently, the tabs 230 a, 230 b have inserted furtherinto the inner aperture 108 of the seal spring 100, and have furthermoved into and compressed into the flared, or angled portion of theinner surface 109 of the seal spring 100, when in comparison to itsprevious position or positions inside the inner cavity 204 of the outerhousing 200.

As seen in FIG. 6 , the fully compressed and deformed, orientation orstate of the seal spring 100, provides a spring-like force and springfunction in a direction toward and against the tabs 230 a, 230 b of theouter housing 200. Here, as in FIG. 5 , the seal spring 100 has beeninserted into the inner cavity 204 of the outer housing 200, with thefirst face 102 of the seal spring inserted first into the inner cavity204 and pushed forward towards the second end portion 222 of the outerhousing 200. The second face 104 is situated within the inner cavity204, facing towards the opening 202 of the outer housing 200, Here, thesecond outer housing 300 has been inserted through the opening 202 andinto the inner cavity 204 of the outer housing. The second outer housing300 enters the inner cavity 204 of the outer housing 200 and presses,contacts, and abuts the seal spring 100, making contact with the secondface 104 and second face surface 114 of the seal spring 100. The secondouter housing 300 pushes the seal spring 100 further forward into theinner cavity 204, and towards the second end portion 222 and the tabs230 a, 230 b. At this point, the first face 104 and first face surface114 of the seal spring 100 will abut and contact the forward stop 250,and the forward stop 250 will limit the movement of the seal spring 100further into the inner cavity 204 of the outer housing. The seal spring100 is now in a secured and stationary position within the connectorsystem and in the outer housing 200 and inner cavity 204. In thissecured, and stationary position within the inner cavity 204, in respectto the lengthwise direction of the outer housing 200 (being defined asthe direction from the first end portion 212 to the second end portion222, and vice versa), the seal spring 100 resides in the inner cavity204 between the end of the second outer housing 300 and the forward stop250 of the outer housing 200.

Also, in FIG. 6 , a third outer housing 400 is inserted into the inneraperture 108 of the seal spring 100. The shown compressed seal spring100, while providing adequate spring force against the tabs 230 a, 230b, will also maintain and provide an outer sealing against the outerhousing 200 and inner sealing function against the third outer housing400. The outer sealing portion 120 of the seal spring 100 will sealagainst the side wall 214 of the inner cavity 204 of the outer housing200 (see, FIG. 6 ). The inner sealing portion 130 of the seal spring 100will seal against the surface of the third outer housing 400 (see, FIG.6 ). Thus, the seal spring 100 is sealing against two independent,separate surfaces. The seal spring 100 will thus act as an interfaceseal in this location within the connector system and also provideitself as an environmental seal when used in this manner. Thus, the sealspring 100 will have a dual purpose, simultaneously acting as both anenvironmental seal and a spring when in use within the connectorassembly.

Also, the seal spring in FIG. 6 is fully compressed and deformed as itis provided with the third outer housing 400 inserted into its inneraperture 108. With the insertion of the third outer housing 400, thereis pressure on the inner sealing portion 130 of the seal spring 100, andreturned pressure against the third outer housing 400 by the innersealing portion 130. The seal spring 100 in this final compressed anddeformed state is exerting a greater spring force against the tabs 230a, 230 b than its previous interactions within its position or positionsin the cavity of the outer housing. The seal spring 100 will provide acompression and spring force against the tab 230 a, 230 b and press thetab 230 a, 230 b against the third outer housing 400 when assembled,providing substantial contact of the tab 230 a, 230 b with the thirdouter housing 400. More specifically, the cantilever beam portion of thetab 230 a, 230 b, may make substantial contact with the third outerhousing 400. More precisely, the direction the tab 230 a, 230 b flexesis generally inwards, a direction towards the inner cavity 204, inneraperture 108 or opposing one of another tab 230 a, 230 b. The springseal 100 will provide more force, additional force, for higher contactpressure of the tabs 230 a, 230 b against the third outer housing 400,than would be present without the seal spring 100. This force andsubsequent pressure is much more resistant to stress relaxation comparedto the use of the tab 230 a, 230 b, cantilever beam arm 238 a, 238 b,and outer housing 200 made from resin alone. The benefit of the sealspring 100, is higher contact pressure between the outer housing 200 andthe third outer housing 400. Concurrently, the tabs 230 a, 230 b haveinserted further into the inner aperture 108 of the seal spring 100, andhave further moved into and compressed into the flared, or angledportion of the inner surface 109 of the seal spring 100, when incomparison to its previous position or positions inside the inner cavity204 of the outer housing 200. The third outer housing 400 is preferablya plated resin housing, conductive, and aids in shielding of theconnector assembly. The outer housing 200 is also preferably conductive,comprised of a metal infused resin and also aids in shielding of theconnector assembly when in use. A portion of a grounding scheme for aconnector assembly which uses the outer housing 200 can be completedwhen the tab 230 a, 230 b which is also preferably conductive coated,makes contact with the conductive third outer housing 400.

The elastic properties and durability of the seal spring 100 material isoptimized such that the aforementioned combination of properties andeffects is provided. Additionally, the seal spring 100 of the presentinvention is not limited or defined into a spring section or a sealsection by its geometry. Thus, the seal spring 100 is not geometry basedand it may function anywhere the dual functionality of a seal functionand spring function is required. Further, the size or space of the innercavity 204 of the outer housing 200, may be optimized and adjusted toallow for deformation of the seal spring 100 in order to migrate and notinterrupt the spring function or the inner and outer sealing propertiesof the seal spring 100. Alternatively, the size of the seal spring 100may be optimized and adjusted to allow for the deformation of the sealspring 100 in order to migrate and not interrupt the spring function orthe inner and outer sealing properties of the seal spring 100 in ahousing, such as shown outer housing 200.

Although the foregoing description is directed to the preferredembodiments of the invention, it is noted that other variations andmodifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and may bemade without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.Moreover, elements, structural arrangements, or features described inconnection with one embodiment of the invention may be used inconjunction with other embodiments, even if not explicitly stated above.

1-9. (canceled)
 10. A method for assembling a seal spring in a connectorassembly, comprising the steps of: inserting said seal spring into aninner cavity of a housing; pushing said housing into said inner cavityof said housing; thereafter, pushing said seal spring into said housingso as to position said seal spring against a tab within said innercavity of said housing; thereafter inserting a second outer housing intoan inner cavity of said housing; and thereafter, providing a springforce to said tab.
 11. The method according to claim 10, wherein saidmethod for assembling a seal spring in said connector assembly, saidseal spring presses against a forward stop of said housing after saidstep of providing a spring force to said seal spring.
 12. The methodaccording to claim 10, wherein said method for assembling a seal springin said connector assembly, said seal spring contacts a second outerhousing, said second outer housing inserts into an inner aperture ofsaid seal spring, after said step of providing a spring force to saidseal spring.
 13. The method according to claim 10, wherein said sealspring seals against said inner cavity of said housing.
 14. A methodaccording to claim 10, wherein said method for assembling a seal springin said connector assembly, said seal spring contacts a second outerhousing, said second outer housing inserted into an inner aperture ofsaid seal spring, after said step of providing a spring force to saidseal spring, wherein said seal spring seals against said second outerhousing.
 15. (canceled)
 16. The method according to claim 10, wherein atleast a side, first and second faces, an inner aperture, an outersealing portion, said side wall, and an inner sealing portion form saidseal spring that is, substantially, in its entirety, a contiguous andcontinuous single construction.